A mission to rescue New Zealanders stuck in Afghanistan, and those that helped NZ forces, has finally taken off.
A C-130 Hercules departed Auckland for the Middle East with up to 80 Defence Force personnel onboard.
They could deployed for up to a month - as they join international efforts to evacuate citizens and at risk Afghans, following the Taliban takeover of the country.
But as Kate Gregan reports, some are calling it a 'logistical nightmare'.
